Abby Abbott to Lead Upper School in 2025-26

In January, Head of School Eric Lombardi announced that Abby Abbott will join the FWCD community as the next Head of Upper School starting July 1, 2025. With nearly two decades of experience in independent schools, Abbott has honed her skills as a teacher, coach, mentor and administrator. Most recently, she has served as the Assistant Head of Upper School at St. Luke’s School in Connecticut. In this role, she collaborated with faculty, students and families to enhance academic programs, foster a sense of belonging, and ensure student success while encouraging balance and well-roundedness—values we deeply cherish at FWCD.

Abbott is drawn to FWCD’s vibrant community and its unwavering focus on student-centered education. Her philosophy of creating joyful, inclusive environments in which students and faculty alike can thrive aligns seamlessly with our school’s culture. Her proven ability to balance and amplify tradition with innovation will be instrumental as she steps into this leadership role, celebrating, nurturing and furthering the Upper School.

Deeply committed to and engaged in student life and leadership at St. Luke’s, Abbott grew a vibrant Model U.N. program that now comprises more than 100 students in grades 9-12. In addition, she started a highly competitive mock trial team and an active Women in Humanities Club and coached speech and debate.

Abbott is equally passionate about supporting faculty development and ensuring there are ample opportunities to nourish, celebrate and showcase faculty talent. She was part of a senior leadership team that developed a comprehensive coaching and evaluation program. In her current role as Assistant Division Head, she partners daily with teachers to embed active learning in their lessons.

When pressed to share, Abbott will say that her favorite career accolades include being named Teacher of the Year and Innovator of the Year, earning a U.S. Presidential Scholars Award (a National Merit Scholar named her as their most influential educator, and both traveled to Washington, D.C., to receive the honor), and being named “Best Mom” by incoming first grader, her son, Charlie.

Please welcome Abby Abbott and her family as they begin this exciting new chapter.